BOSTON — The Boston Celtics had high hopes for their Christmas Day showdown against the Philadelphia 76ers but left TD Garden with disappointment after falling 118-114.
The game, played on December 25, 2024, marked another highlight of the NBA's festive schedule, featuring both teams' array of talent on the court. Philadelphia's Joel Embiid took center stage for the Sixers, returning from injury and contributing significantly to the win, scoring 27 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Despite his pregame mishap where he stumbled and twisted his ankle, Embiid's performance was nothing short of remarkable as he managed to connect on 4 of 5 attempts from beyond the arc before sealing the game with two free throws just seconds before the final buzzer.
For the Celtics, the game was pivotal as they sought to bounce back from previous losses, entering the contest with a record of 22-8. Yet, after struggling with their three-point shooting all season, the team failed to perform effectively against the 76ers.
Tyrese Maxey emerged as Philadelphia's standout performer, finishing the game with 33 points and 12 assists. His first-half performance, which saw him score 18 points and contribute eight assists, was instrumental as the 76ers took control during the early quarters. Many fans recognized him as the Grinch of the holiday season, quipping, “Someone has to play the bad guy on Christmas, right?” Maxey's impact on both ends of the court continuously pressured Boston's defense.
The Celtics, coached by Joe Mazzulla, had their scoring led by Jayson Tatum, who recorded 32 points alongside 15 rebounds, showcasing why he remains one of the league's elite players. Tatum's determined presence gave the Celtics enough momentum to stay close, albeit not enough to edge out the victory.
Speaking about his performance, Tatum stated, “I just wanted to come out and play hard. Christmas games are special, but we needed this win. We have to tighten up and not make so many mistakes.”
Despite Tatum's excellence, the Celtics could not recover from their poor first-half discipline. They committed eight turnovers compared to the 76ers' single turnover, which allowed Philadelphia to take advantage of fast break points and build momentum. By halftime, the Celtics trailed 66-58, leaving them to scramble back on defense against the highly efficient 76ers offense.
Jaylen Brown's first-half struggles were particularly alarming. The three-time All-Star was off, recording only two points on 1-for-8 shooting before halftime. While Brown managed to rally during the second half to finish with 23 points, the early-game slump had already set the team back.
“It was tough, but I knew I had to step up after the half,” Brown said. “We let this game slip away because of our mistakes early on.”
Celtics’ guard Payton Pritchard also faced difficulties, finishing with only four points on 1-of-9 shooting from the floor and failing to capitalize on his opportunities from beyond the arc.
After entering the fourth quarter tied at 82-82, the tension escalated, with both teams exchanging leads. The Celtics managed to cut the lead to just three points late in the game, but the timely scoring from the 76ers, particularly from Embiid and Maxey, pushed them back to safety.
Late-game strategy discussions among fans and analysts suggested Boston missed several chances to tie or take the lead, most glaringly when Jaylen Brown hit a three-pointer with four seconds left, bringing the score to 114-116. This moment, albeit thrilling, left the fans wondering about what could have been if Boston had executed more efficiently throughout the game.
Philadelphia, now improving to 20-10 overall, showcased discipline and composure, particularly late-game execution, as they successfully navigated the chaotic atmosphere at TD Garden. Sixers’ coach Nick Nurse attributed the win to his team's resilience, stating, “We knew this one wasn’t going to be easy, but our guys showed heart. That’s what we need moving forward.”
The Christmas match-up historically brings out heightened energy, and this meeting was no different, thrilling fans who filled the arena. The rivalry between the two Eastern Conference foes adds another layer of intensity as both teams aim for playoff seeding. Recent encounters between the two franchises have demonstrated the competitive nature of the pairing, with the Celtics holding the historical edge at 270 wins against the 76ers’ 197. Still, this game will surely be remembered for the 76ers' grit and the Celtics' unfortunate missteps.
With the season still firmly underway, both teams will look to learn from this matchup. While the 76ers will aim to capitalize on their momentum, the Celtics are left to reflect and regroup after their Christmas defeat as they prepare for upcoming challenges, beginning with their next game against the Indiana Pacers.
Fans will undoubtedly return when the Celtics and 76ers next meet, eager to watch another thrilling chapter of this storied NBA rivalry.
